At Dr. John Orthodontics, one of our core missions is to keep our office at the forefront of the latest technology, ensuring that you receive the best and most efficient care possible. Here is a list of some ways we leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance your orthodontic experience: 

Digital scanning

The iTero scan is a digital intraoral scanner used in orthodontics to create a 3D digital model of a patient's teeth and oral structures. It offers several benefits over traditional impression methods (using dental putty) and plays a significant role in modern orthodontic treatment:
  • Comfort: Patients often find the iTero scan more comfortable compared to traditional impression techniques. It eliminates the need for dental putty, which can be messy, uncomfortable, and trigger a gag reflex in some individuals.
  • ​Accuracy: The digital scan provides highly accurate 3D digital impressions of the teeth and bite. It captures precise details of the dental anatomy, leading to better-fitting orthodontic appliances and improved treatment outcomes.
  • Treatment Visualization: Patients can see their teeth and bite in 3D immediately after the scan. The visual representation helps them better understand their dental issues and treatment plan.

SpectraLace Laser

A laser system like the Spectra laser, specifically designed for soft tissue procedures, can indeed offer several benefits for orthodontic treatment:
  • Precise Gum Contouring: The Spectra laser's ability to precisely remove excess gum tissue allows orthodontists to shape and contour the gumline effectively. This is especially useful in cases where a patient has a "gummy smile" or uneven gum levels that can affect the overall aesthetics of the smile.
  • Exposure of Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, during orthodontic treatment, there may be teeth that are partially or fully trapped under the gum tissue (impacted). The Spectra laser can be used to gently and accurately remove the overlying gum tissue, facilitating the proper eruption of the impacted teeth into their correct positions.
  • Minimally Invasive: The use of the Spectra laser is generally less invasive compared to traditional surgical techniques for gum contouring and exposure procedures.
  • Improved Healing: Laser technology offers the advantage of stimulating coagulation and sealing blood vessels during the procedure, promoting faster and more efficient healing.

Temporary Anchorage Device

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), also known as mini-implants or micro-implants, are small, temporary screws or pins that are used in orthodontics to provide additional anchorage support. They are a valuable addition to orthodontic treatment and offer several benefits:
  • Enhanced Control: TADs provide orthodontists with increased control over tooth movements. By using TADs as stable anchor points, specific teeth can be moved in more controlled and precise ways, facilitating complex tooth movements that may not have been possible with traditional braces alone.​
  • Faster Treatment: With TADs, orthodontic treatment may be more efficient and faster. The enhanced control and stability they offer can accelerate tooth movement, potentially reducing the overall treatment duration.
  • Minimal Discomfort: TADs are relatively small and are usually placed in the gums or the jawbone, away from sensitive areas. As a result, they generally cause minimal discomfort during and after placement.
  • Non-Invasive: TAD placement is a minimally invasive procedure. It often requires only local anesthesia, and the recovery time is usually short.​

3d printing 

3D printing has revolutionized various industries, including orthodontics, offering numerous benefits that have transformed the way orthodontic treatments are planned and delivered. Here are some key advantages of 3D printing in orthodontics:
  • Precise and Accurate Models: 3D printing allows for the creation of highly accurate and detailed dental models. Orthodontists can obtain a precise representation of a patient's teeth, gums, and jaw, enabling them to plan treatment with greater accuracy.
  • Customization: 3D printing enables the creation of custom orthodontic appliances, such as clear aligners and retainers, tailored to each patient's unique dental anatomy. This level of customization leads to more effective and comfortable treatment outcomes.
  • Faster Turnaround Time: With 3D printing, orthodontic appliances can be fabricated more quickly than traditional methods, reducing waiting times for patients and allowing for a more efficient treatment process.​

Dental Monitoring 

Dental monitoring is a technology-driven system that allows orthodontists to remotely monitor and track the progress of their patients' orthodontic treatment using a smartphone app and specialized tools. This innovative approach offers several benefits in orthodontics:
  • Convenience for Patients: Dental monitoring eliminates the need for frequent in-person appointments, reducing the time and effort patients need to dedicate to their orthodontic treatment. Patients can take images of their teeth at home and submit them through the app for assessment by the orthodontist.
  • Real-Time Feedback: Patients receive real-time feedback and guidance from their orthodontist based on the images they submit. This ensures that any concerns or issues are addressed promptly, leading to a more efficient treatment process.
  • Enhanced Compliance: With dental monitoring, patients are more likely to stay engaged and compliant with their treatment plan. The convenience of the app and the ability to receive regular feedback can motivate patients to adhere to their orthodontic instructions.
  • Early Detection of Issues: Dental monitoring allows orthodontists to monitor treatment progress closely. It facilitates early detection of any potential problems, enabling timely intervention and adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary.
  • Efficient Treatment Planning: Orthodontists can review the images and data submitted by patients in detail, leading to more accurate treatment planning and adjustments tailored to each individual's progress.
  • Clear Aligner Treatment Optimization: Dental monitoring is especially beneficial for clear aligner treatments, such as Invisalign. Orthodontists can remotely track the fitting and progress of aligners, ensuring that patients are on track with their aligner changes.
  • Digital Record Keeping: Dental monitoring creates a comprehensive digital record of a patient's treatment journey, making it easy to track and review progress over time.
  • Improved Communication: Dental monitoring facilitates efficient communication between patients and orthodontists. Patients can ask questions or share concerns through the app, and orthodontists can provide timely responses and support.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

  1. Imaging Technology: CBCT is a medical imaging technique that uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to capture highly detailed, three-dimensional (3D) images of a patient's dental and maxillofacial structures.
  2. Low Radiation Exposure: Compared to traditional medical CT scans, CBCT involves lower radiation exposure. This makes it a preferred choice for dental and maxillofacial imaging, where detailed anatomical information is essential but with minimized radiation risk.
  3. Diagnostic Capabilities: CBCT is used for diagnosing a range of dental and maxillofacial conditions, including impacted teeth, dental infections, jawbone abnormalities, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and pre-surgical planning for procedures like dental implant placement or orthognathic surgery.
  4. Treatment Planning: Dental specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and prosthodontists, use CBCT images to plan treatments, evaluate the suitability of dental implants, and ensure precision during surgeries.
  5. Orthodontics: CBCT can be valuable in orthodontics to assess the position of teeth and their relation to surrounding structures, aiding in the development of personalized treatment plans.